The fourth one-day state-level open master athletics competition 2024 will be held at JRD Sports Complex, Jamshedpur, this November. The announcement was made during the annual general assembly meeting of the Master Athletic Association of Jharkhand, held today at Bengal Club Auditorium in Sakchi, Jamshedpur, under the leadership of International Athlete and Life President of the Association, Indrajit Singh.
The meeting began with a moment of silence to honor the late Shanti Mukt Barla, a former international master women athlete, who tragically passed away in a road accident last year. The gathering paid tribute to her significant contributions to the sport.
Following the tribute, association member Sachin S.K. Tomar delivered the welcome address and presented the report of the year's achievements. Looking ahead to the upcoming competition, the association is expecting the participation of over a thousand master athletes, a marked increase from previous years. All attending players were urged to participate in large numbers to ensure a strong representation from Jharkhand in national-level competitions, with hopes of securing numerous medals for the state.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the proposal to organize a separate cross-country race for the first time, which was met with enthusiasm and unanimous approval. The assembly expressed its support for the organization’s achievements with cheers and applause.
Several esteemed guests were honored during the event, including the meeting’s chief guest, retired Deputy Development Commissioner of East Singhbhum B. Maheshwari, and special guest Sanjay Singh, Vice President of the Tata Workers Union and Chairman of the Tata Steel Sports Advisory Committee. Former senior master athletes were also felicitated for their contributions to sports.
In a unanimous decision, Sardar Indrajit Singh, Life President of the Association, declared international athlete trainer and former General Secretary of Bihar Athletic Association, Arif Imam, as the chief patron of the organization. Imam was presented with a bouquet and garland to honor his new role.
During his address, chief guest B. Maheshwari praised the accomplishments of Jharkhand's master athletes at both national and international levels and pledged his full support to strengthen the association further.
International medalist and association secretary S.K. Tomar conducted the program, while former athlete H. Ghosh delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded with input from participating athletes, whose suggestions were well received by the meeting chair.
The success of the meeting was attributed to key figures including Indrajit Singh, Avtar Singh, Gurdev Singh, Gyan Singh, and many others who played pivotal roles in organizing the event.
